We have lots of designers in India who like to combine the traditional with the modern. But, what sets Tarun Tahiliani apart from them is the touch of finesse and refinement he brings to his designs. His bridal collections are quintessentially rich and true to Indian culture, teamed with unmatched Italian pattern cuts and constructions. In short, they're something every bride and groom's dream outfit would look like. So, let's have a look at this master's bridal collections from 2013-2014.

The year that was: 2013

The India Bridal Fashion Week 2013 saw Tarun Tahiliani's latest collection of Indian textiles and techniques in a chic, contemporary camouflage. Aptly named 'Marriage, Mystic and Magic', his impeccably crafted collection was a fitting end to the 6-day bridal festival.

The extraordinary display began with a welcome dance by the Attakkalari group, in the true Indian baaraat style. As this collection was an inspired fusion of contemporary and traditional, the dance performance truly complemented the grand set.

The intention was to create an interesting mix of traditional crafts and sparkling crystals and carats for the bride and groom as well as their families. Anarkalis in hues of pistachio and green, intricately worked on pyjamas, sherwanis in silk with jackets, and a contrasting combination of beiges and reds combined with intricate embroidery comprised his sensuous bridal collection. The dusky bombshell Lisa Haydon stole the show in an embroidered lehenga in soft pastel hues with crystal embellishments.

This show was an absolute pleasure to view, like true art in motion. All in all, it was a successful event and year for the king of high fashion.

Looking ahead: 2014

Tarun Tahiliani opened the Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) Autumn-Winter 2014, and stunned his audience yet again with a celebration of Indian heritage and colours. His ensemble comprised gorgeous silhouettes in raw silk, zari, chanderi, and chikankari at it's intricate best. The highlight of the show was Shilpa Shetty, who dazzled the attendees in a kanjeevaram lehenga and draped corset, as a special favour, of course, to her long-time friend.

For this collection, there was a special emphasis on the prints such as multi-scarf patterns. Unconventional sarees, dhoti skirts, jackets with slits, short crop jackets and long, asymmetric kurtas gave coventional couture an international edge.

When asked about the inspiration for this collection, he said, "The idea of this collection traces its root in the early tradition of the country when the clothes would mould to fit the body and not vice versa".

This was truly identifiable in his collection, as the outfits truly looked like they were made for the gorgeous models that donned them. It truly seems like the theme and inspiration for most designers this year is going to be the old India, so keep your eyes peeled on this master's bridal work that is to come.

Achievements:

Tarun's list of achievements is endless, but we'd surely like to highlight some of the milestones of his career.

• He opened his first fashion boutique, 'Ensemble', in India in 1987.
• He has worked with 'Save the Children' India to urge the government to increase the health budget to 3 per cent ahead of the budget announcement.
• He organized his first solo show called 'Rubaiyat' at a gala fundraiser event held in Dorchester Hotel, London in 1994.
• He became the first designer from the country to get an invitation to exhibit his collection on the grand international platform-The Milan Fashion Week.
• In 2013, Tahiliani wowed the world when he launched his 'Kumbhback' collection on the second day of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Autumn/Spring in 2013, inspired by the Maha Kumbh Mela.
• He has designed for the likes of many national and international celebrities, such as Aishwarya Rai, Shilpa Shetty, Kabir Bedi, Rani Mukherjee, Ayesha Takia, Yami Gautam, Indrani Dasgupta, Meher Jesia Rampal, Fern Mallis, Naomi Campbell, Elizabeth Hurley, Oprah Winfrey, and Isabella Blow, to name a few.

These accomplishments are just a drop in the vast ocean of work that Tarun Tahiliani has offered India and the world. His designs aren't just outfits; they're a way of life that many from the upper crust of Indian society have adopted. His designs take inspiration from the icon that is the modern Indian woman. If this is the image that defines you, opt for a Tarun Tahiliani for both bride and groom. Go ahead, celebrate!